Binge drinking on the rise in northeastern La.

A study published April 23 found that about drinking rates throughout northeastern Louisiana are on the rise, with Ouachita Parish seeing a 40.7 percent increase in heavy drinking and a 12 percent increase in binge drinking.(Photo: PA Wire images)

A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health shows that drinking rates throughout northeastern Louisiana have increased over the past decade.

The study was conducted by phone and observed rates of any drinking, heavy drinking and binge drinking.

"We found that although the overall prevalence of any drinking has not changed substantially in recent years, there is evidence of an increase in both heavy drinking and binge drinking," the study states. "We found that increases in heavy and binge drinking prevalence in recent years have tended to be larger for women than for men, although women have not yet caught up to men in terms of current prevalence. These findings call for interventions intended specifically to address this increase among women."

The study found increases in Ouachita Parish in all categories. Any drinking increased by 7.8 percent from 2005-2012, while heavy drinking increased by 40.7 percent and binge drinking increased by 12 percent.

In Lincoln Parish, any drinking increased by 8.4 percent, while heavy drinking increased by 35.5 percent and binge drinking increased by 9 percent.

In Richland Parish, any drinking increased by 13.6 percent, while heavy drinking increased by 32.6 percent and binge drinking increased by 15.2 percent.

In Jackson Parish, any drinking increased by 8.9 percent, while heavy drinking increased by 40.6 percent and binge drinking increased by 13.6 percent.

In Morehouse Parish, any drinking increased by 3.6 percent, while heavy drinking increased by 26.9 percent and binge drinking increased by 9 percent.

Any drinking is defined as consuming at least one drink of any alcoholic beverage in the past month. Heavy drinking is defined as exceeding an average of one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men over the past month. Binge drinking is defined as consuming four drinks or more for women and five drinks or more for men on a single occasion at least once during the past month.

Monteic Sizer, who serves as executive director of the Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, said relying on alcohol poses serious threats to society.

"It's a significant problem on the health and human services side of it," he said. "we know that there are all kinds of unintended injuries associated with binge drinking, like car crashes, falls, burning and drowning. There are intentional injuries such as firearm, sexual assault and domestic violence.

"It also increases the high possibility that there will be alcohol poisoning. We know there are ties to liver disease and neurological damage. If a female is pregnant and binge drinks, there's a high possibility that her child could be born still-born or with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders."

Louisiana as a whole saw an increase in drinking as well. Any drinking was up throughout the state by 9.8 percent in the same time span. Heavy drinking saw an increase of 38.6 percent and binge drinking increased by 13.5 percent.

Sizer said admitting there's a problem is the first step.

"Number two, seek help or treatment," he said. "Help and treatment are available for those who are seeking it."